Priapism

Priapism is a long-lasting erection that occurs without sexual arousal or stimulation. It’s usually painful and it can last for more than four hours. It occurs when blood remains in your penis and can’t drain.

Priapism needs immediate treatment. Without treatment, it can cause permanent damage.

What are the types of priapism?

The types of priapism include:

Low-flow (ischemic) priapism. Low-flow priapism occurs when blood remains in the erection chambers (corpora cavernosa) and can’t escape. It often occurs without a known cause in people without preexisting conditions, but it also affects people with sickle cell disease, blood cancer (leukemia) or malaria. It’s the most common type of priapism.
Recurrent (stuttering) priapism. Stuttering priapism is a type of low-flow priapism. A long-lasting erection may repeatedly go away and come back. It may last longer and grow more painful each time it comes back.
High-flow (nonischemic) priapism. High-flow priapism is rarer than low-flow priapism and is usually not painful. Causes may include an injury to your penis or the area between your scrotum and anus (perineum). The injury causes uncontrolled blood flow into the penile tissues, causing a long-lasting erection.

How common is priapism?

Priapism is relatively rare overall, but you may be more likely to have it if you have certain conditions. It occurs in 30% to 45% of people with sickle cell disease.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.